The Development Control Committee of Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday 25 September 2025. The committee considered planning permission for the construction of two digestate lagoons at The Vineries, Green Tye, near Much Hadham. The committee also considered the minutes of the previous meeting.

Construction of Digestate Lagoons Proposed at The Vineries

Planning permission was sought for the construction of two digestate lagoons at The Vineries, Green Tye, near Much Hadham. The application, PL/0457/25, aimed to increase the storage capacity for digestate, a byproduct of an anaerobic digester used to heat greenhouses for tomato production. The need for additional storage arises from more stringent Environment Agency regulations on when digestate can be spread on agricultural land, exacerbated by increased wet weather.

The proposed development involves two lagoons, each with a capacity of 10,000 cubic metres, to be constructed using a cut and fill method with bunding around the perimeter. No increase in vehicle movements or the volume of material processed at the site is proposed. The applicant, Guy and Wrights, currently operates an anaerobic digester that processes food waste to generate heat for their greenhouses and surplus energy for the national grid.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by Much Hadham Parish Council and 33 local residents primarily regarding potential odour from the lagoons and the spreading of digestate. The planning officer, Sharon Therfel, reported that during site visits, no adverse odour was detected beyond the immediate vicinity of the existing lagoons. The Environment Agency had received six odour complaints in the year leading up to the meeting, but these did not meet their threshold for investigation and it was unclear if they were directly attributable to the site or the spreading of digestate.

The committee heard that odour is regulated by the Environment Agency, and any new lagoons would require a permit variation. The applicant has suggested hexagonal plates as a potential odour control measure, with manufacturers claiming up to a 95% reduction. Other options include allowing a crust to form on the digestate or using a plastic cover, similar to one already in use at the site. The Environment Agency will determine the appropriate measures as part of the permitting process.

Concerns about visual impact were also addressed, with the planning officer noting that the bunding would place the lagoons below ground level and that mature vegetation at the farm boundary would provide screening. Glimpse views of the lagoons would be visible from a public footpath.

The application was supported by the applicant's agent, Nick Gerrard, who highlighted the sustainability benefits of the operation, including the reuse of waste products and the production of a carbon-neutral fertiliser. He also emphasised that the application was solely for improved storage infrastructure and would not lead to further intensification of site operations.

The committee debated the application and ultimately voted to approve the planning permission, subject to conditions outlined in the report. These conditions include measures for the management of surface water drainage and the protection of public rights of way, specifically an adjacent public footpath. The committee noted that the applicant would need to secure an amended permit from the Environment Agency before the development could proceed.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the Development Control Committee meeting held on 26 February 2025 were considered. A proposal was made to accept the minutes, and this was agreed.